Why it’s good:

Usually, we make the mistake of comparing newer with better. The Vitamix 5200 smoothie blender has truly been around since 2007. The 5200 replaced Vitamix’s past flagship blender, the 5000. It’s been a real and proven workhorse and due to its abilities and durability, it has been the first blender used in schools that train Chefs worldwide.

There were vital improvements from 5000 to 5200 and even though there are different versions such as the Vitamix 7500, I think in terms of value the 5200 is just right for the average consumer.

Guaranty:

Your Vitamix will be included under warranty for 7 years. It’s a great idea to record your Vitamix online on their website or fill out and mail in a card that comes with your buying. It is not necessary but I’ve noticed it’s much simpler to have issues taken care of when your appliance is recorded.

POWER:

Aircraft-grade, hardened stainless steel blades are spun by a 1,379 watt (11.5 amp) motor. The joining of two is what makes this Vitamix 5200 the astonishing blender for smoothies.

CONTAINER:

Vitamix 5200 begins with a standard 64-ounce BPA-free Eastman Tritan Copolyester. An excellent word for plastic, but trust me this material is extremely better than glass or stainless steel containers.

CONTROLS:

Vitamix 5200 begins with two toggles and a dial. The dial is part of the Changeable Speed Control that allows the blade speeds to range from 11 to 240 mph. One for turns the machine on and off. The last is changes from high speed to Variable Speed Control that controls blade speeds with the dial.

CLEANING:

Vitamix 5200 is not dishwasher secure. Cleaning is pretty easy, fill it up with warm water and just a drop of dishwasher soap and let it blend for 30 seconds.

DURABILITY:

Most of the Vitamix blenders are built to last in the USA. I have recognized Vitamix 5200 blender for 5 1/2 years without breakdowns or malfunctions.

SMOOTHIE MAKING QUALITY:

(10/10) I have still to find a blender for smoothies that even comes close to the surface and smoothie consistency that Vitamix gives. If you need the best smoothie maker and cost is not an issue, you will have zero regrets after you taste the smoothies you will be executing from home.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

There are no significant issues I’ve experienced with the 5200. The blender while quiet on lower speed settings can get a bit loud at higher speeds depending on what is being blended.

Features

Easy Blending Cycles: 1-touch buttons, 6 pre-programmed cycles, pulse, and 10 speed manual control with the ability to achieve a variety of textures. Complete control to adjust your blending at any time while blending.

Patented Blade/80% Thicker: Stainless-Steel forged blade, with wings, for amazingly smooth blends (10X stronger than other blender blades). Note: Blade is not sharp, blade is dull. No more cuts and pokes.

Self-Cleaning: Add a little soap and water, your jar can clean itself in less than 1 minute.

Why it’s good:

Actually, there are two major competitors in the full-sized blender market. Vitamix and Blendtec have been at it for a very long time to catch market share from one different. According to the quality, both make very high-quality smoothie blenders. Vitamix targets expert Chef’s and Blendtec goes after everyday communities for whom the $400-600 Vitamix price tags are often a turn-off.

WARRANTY:

Blendtec Total blender gets an 8-year manufacturer guaranty. There are only a few brands that produce such an increased warranty on their kitchen blenders.

POWER:

Blendtec Total blender begins with a world-class 1,560-watt direct drive motor. This motor is no fun. Have you ever listened to a YouTube show – Will It Blend? Blendtec blenders are tested to their limits by viewing if ridiculous objects like phones, marbles, hockey pucks, and other things survive inside the Blendtec. Watch some episodes and see why this motor and blade combination is absolutely world class.

CONTAINER:

A 64-ounce BPA-free square jar that has markings on the front to make measuring out ingredients accessible.

CONTROLS:

I actually prefer the simple switches and dial of the Vitamix 5200. The Blendtec has an LCD screen (shows time left on the automatic blend setting) and a set of keys for automated blending cycles. The pre-programmed settings contain Smoothie, Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, Milkshake, Soup, Ice Crush, and Whole Juice.

CLEANING:

Due to the electronics in the according to the blender, it is not dishwasher safe. Washing it by adding warm water and a drop of dish soap. Use the pulse setting for about 45 seconds and then wash it out.

DURABILITY:

Blendtec is designed and molded in the USA. I have not experienced any breakdowns in the 3 years of having my Blendtec Total.

SMOOTHIE MAKING QUALITY:

(9.3/10) The quality and smoothness is not to the level of the Vitamix 5200, but it is about there. And for the cost difference between the two units, I’m OK with that.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

When you compare noise levels within Vitamix 5200 and the Total blender, the Blendtec is could use some improvements in noise reduction. The Blendtec does not come with a tamper for pushing ingredients down. Blendtec’s electrical fiber does not retract into its base.

CONCLUSION:

Blendtec Total blender is remarkably competitive to the Vitamix but at a more manageable price. Blendtec Total blenders used to be much more valuable, I’ve been able to find them through Amazon.com at about $100-150 discount vs purchasing in stores.

Why it’s good:

Nutribullet Rx is what I especially recommend to people who are not sure if they need a full sized 64 oz blender or a small personal one. You get a 30 oz cup for single serving smoothies and a 45 oz for larger servings which appears to be the best of both worlds.

WARRANTY:

The manufacturer only gives a 1-year warranty on the Nutribullet Rx. It might be a great idea to get additional protection coverage if you choose to buy through Amazon, protection plans are a very good investment when dealing with expensive devices with short manufacturer warranties.

POWER:

A powerful 1700 watt motor to assist you to make some silky smooth smoothies. Pretty close blending consistency to the Blendtec Total.

CONTAINER:

Begins with a 30 & 45 oz cups. You also notice a Soup making pitcher that works with the Soup Making Mode that the Nutribullet Rx allows. The Soup Making feature comes from the appliances capability to heat the ingredients for 7 minutes that turns your blended elements into warm pureed soups, sauces, and dips.

CONTROLS:

Applying the Nutribullet Rx is simple. Choose your container with ingredients and screw the blade attachment on to the container. You then placed the container into the base, no twisting to lock required. After a moment or two, the blending process begins and it takes about 1 minute. The machine will vary blending speed at one point of the blending method.

SMOOTHIE MAKING QUALITY:

(8.5/10) Excellent consistency, very close to blending quality of the Blendtec Total Blender.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

Extended warranty would be nice. NutriBullet Rx is pretty loud when used to blend frozen ingredients. No full sized (50 oz +) container.

CONCLUSION:

Excellent smoothie blender if you want more blending ability & volume than a single serving blender, but don’t need to buy a full sized kitchen blender.

Two 16 oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids are perfect for creating personalized, nutrient-rich drinks to take on the go.

Dishwasher-safe and BPA-free parts. Single Serve Blade Assembly

Includes one 1100-watt base, 72 oz. Total Crushing Pitcher, and two 16 oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids. NOTE: Refer user manual before use

Why It’s good:

Ninja BL660 is absolutely good at dealing with blending ice which is essential for making smoothies. Many blenders in this rate range have problems with ice blending.

WARRANTY:

Ninja BL660 blender only begins with a 1-year warranty.

POWER:

This kitchen blender has a decent 1100 watts of power, sufficient to manage ice for your frozen drinks and smoothies. I especially think the BL660 does a better job blending than anything more in the following $150 category currently on the market.

CONTAINER:

Ninja BL660 begins with a 72 oz ability pitcher, which is larger than you would find on the majority of the blenders. You also find two 16 oz cups that you can blend in for single smoothie servings and finish with to-go lids.

CONTROLS:

With Ninja BL660 you find just the primary 3 speeds, pulse, and function for single-serve.

SMOOTHIE MAKING QUALITY:

(8.4/10) What makes this blender one of the best in its cost range is the capacity to blend ice exceptionally well. Most of the smoothie blenders in the $50-100 range usually have issues with ice blending which is crucial for smoothie making.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

Sound levels are higher than Blendtec and Vitamix models. Does not handle greens as well as higher-end models, if you’re thinking into making silky smooth green smoothies consider the Blendtec or the Vitamix. Short 1-year warranty.

CONCLUSION:

If you have just below $150 to spend, the Ninja BL660 is one of the best uses for the money blenders in that price range.

Features

Twist on a lid for easy on-the-go sipping. Use a damp cloth to wipe the motor base clean

Crush ice, seeds & frozen ingredients at the touch of a button

WARRANTY:

Only 1-year warranty is allowed by the manufacturer. Remember to get your elongated protection plan if you’re planning to buy from Amazon, it’s worth the few bucks to get it covered for an additional few years.

POWER:

Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ begins with a 1000 watt motor which is the highest class for a single serving blender. Many private smoothie makers with less powerful motors have issues blending ice and frozen fruit.

CONTAINER:

Unit begins with a base, 24 oz cup, 18 oz cup, two lids, one blade assembly, direction booklet, and a recipe book. The instructions book has ideas for smoothies, dressings and soups and desserts. The instructions book has a loading instruction that explains the order ingredients should be added, this information is useful to know for any blender. The base has suction cups to keep the blender from moving approximately on the counter. The base also has a spot for cord accommodation.

CONTROLS:

There are three main blending possibilities. A blend button is useful for blending softer elements such as fresh fruit and leafy greens. The ultra blend button for harder parts such as frozen fruit and ice. The timer counts down when applying either button. The pulse button will pulse the motor for as long as it’s kept down. The start switch will turn the Nutri Ninja IQ to run continuously for 60 seconds.

SMOOTHIE MAKING QUALITY:

(8.2/10) Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ fascinates with a top class blending smoothness for a single serving smoothie maker.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

I’d prefer to see an extended warranty on this product, mainly for its price. The sound level is more than I initially demanded a unit of this size to make.

Why it’s good:

Ninja Master Prep is remarkably easy to use and clean appliance. Begins in at a very good rate point for somebody who needs to start making smoothies at home without having to spend over $40.

WARRANTY:

Ninja Master Prep has the similarly 1-year warranty as the Ninja BL660.

POWER:

This blender is designed a little bit separately than the others. Alternately of having the blades and the electric motor in the base, what you get is a 400 watt “Power Pod”. Your set of blades moves into the blending jar and then a lid goes over them. The Power Pod assembles on top of the lid and inserts into blade splines that go through the lid. There is a security lockout if the lid is not on perfectly, or if the Power Pod is not on all the way that keeps it from turning on.

CONTAINER:

You get two blending jars with the Ninja Master Prep. One 48 oz container that you will be using for blending smoothies and a 16 oz chopper bowl. The blender has two sets of blades that are not interchangeable, each only works with the container its designed for.

CONTROLS:

The top of the Power Pod acts as an on/off button when fitting onto the lid. Its recommended to blend in pulses of about 5 seconds each and giving the motor few seconds to cool off in between mainly if blending hard ingredients.

CLEANING:

Cleaning is easy. The Power Pod normally doesn’t need cleaning as it makes no contact with ingredients. Take off the lid and remove the blades to wash them. Having removable blades makes clean up of the jar very comfortable and fast.

DURABILITY:

After about 3 years of ownership of the Ninja Master Prep I have not experienced any problems. UPDATE: After about 4 years of near daily use the Power Pod has formally stopped working. Would I still buy this unit? Of course, the new unit now on its way!

SMOOTHIE MAKING QUALITY:

(7.4/10) Ninja Master Prep blender does an OK job, but you will not be getting that smoothness that the Vitamix or Blendtec, or also the Ninja BL660 offers.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

Extended warranty. My blender was out of warranty by the time the motor stopped working. Not too much frustration as a new replacement is really cheap and looks like a better deal than dealing with having it replaced under warranty.

CONCLUSION:

Ninja Master Prep is remarkably affordable blender to get for somebody looking to start out in smoothie making. Very simple to clean. For a price normally ranging under $35 and could be under as often seen on Amazon the Ninja Master Prep is an affordable unit that will make OK smoothies.

Features

Why it’s good:

We are finishing our top 10 best smoothie blender list with the Oster 250-watt blender, not because of its performance, but for its worth. Last time I reviewed you can get a brand new Oster for under $20.

WARRANTY:

Oster BLSTPB-WBL gives an average 1-year limited warranty, which is pretty usual for a blender in this price range.

POWER:

A 250-watt motor obtained in the Oster has to work harder to blend ice and frozen fruit. A continued blending of hard materials reduces its lifespan nicely. Regularly start your blending with quick bursts, and let the blender cool for a few seconds after every 5 seconds of blending to expand its lifespan.

CONTAINER:

Oster BLTSPB-WBL only begins with a single 20 ounce (single wall) container, more than sufficient for a single serve smoothie.

CONTROLS:

Easy single touch blending.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER:

Oster My Blend is a fabulous inexpensive personal smoothie blender but I wish it could be useful at blending ice.

CONCLUSION:

It’s an exceptional portable unit, would be a good addition for people finding to make single servings of fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies on a budget.